Chris Skidmore launches residents’ survey over superstore proposals
20 May 2008A CAMPAIGNER has launched a major initiative to gauge public opinion over plans to build a new supermarket in a South Gloucestershire village.
Chris Skidmore has launched the residents’ survey to canvass the opinion of local residents about Tesco’s plans to build a new store in the village of Hanham.
The supermarket giant is planning to build the store on the site of the former Kleeneze factory in the village, on the outskirts of Bristol.
Tesco originally submitted a planning application for the site five years ago, but were forced to withdraw it following strong community opposition, which focused on concerns over increased traffic and the potential damage to shops in Hanham and Kingswood.
With those concerns still resonating within the local community, Chris has produced the extensive survey to give anxious residents a chance to voice their opinion over the controversial scheme.
Once collated, Chris will deliver the survey results to both South Gloucestershire District Council and Tesco to highlight the level of public opinion over the project.
Speaking at the launch of the survey Chris, the Prospective Conservative MP for Kingswood, said: “'I believe it is important that the views of local residents and small businesses on Hanham High Street should be taken into account before any planning permission is granted to build a new store on this site.
“Such a store would have a large impact on the local economy. That's why, together with local Conservative councillors, I am conducting a survey of the local area to see how people feel about the proposed store.”